ES2314829T3 - PACKING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging system configured to package a product by supplying the product on an elevator (201), which elevates the product to a packaging station and covers the product with a film on the top surface thereof, the packaging system comprising: a first transport surface (102) on which a product is placed; a second transport surface (22a) that is formed separately from the first transport surface (102) and disposed downstream of the first transport surface to transport the product from the first transport surface to the elevator (201), being configured the second transport surface (22a) to be able to move within the specific range in a first and second directions of width (Y) that are substantially orthogonal to the transport direction (X) of the product; a transport unit (100) configured to transport the product from the first transport surface (102) to the elevator through the second transport surface (22a); a detection unit (2) configured to detect the misalignment direction and the amount of misalignment of the product in the width direction (Y) on the first transport surface (102); a mobile unit (23-26) configured to move the position of the product on the second transport surface (22a) in the width direction by moving the second transport surface (22a) in the width direction (Y) within a mobile interval; and a control unit (3) configured to correct the misalignment of a product in the width (Y) direction, characterized in that the control unit (3) drives the mobile unit (23-26) according to the direction and amount of misalignment in the width direction (Y) before the product is transported on the second transport surface (22a), to previously move the second transport surface (22a) in a first or second width direction ( Y) in accordance with the direction of misalignment and the amount of misalignment and actuates the mobile unit (23-26) after the product has been transported on the second transport surface (22a) to move the second transport surface (22a ) in the first or second direction of width (Y) opposite the first or second direction of width previously moved (Y).

Description

Packaging system

The present invention relates to a system of packaging configured to package a product covering the upper surface of the product with a film.

In conventional practice, some systems of packaging packaged products with films by lifting a container such as a tray or the like that has a product content inside on a packaging space arranged by on top of it. An example of such a packaging system is shown in Figures 8 and 9.

When an operator puts an M product in a tray supply device 20 shown in Figure 8, the rear end Tb of the tray (container) T carrying the product M is pushed by a conveyor bar (member of contact) 13, and the tray T is transported on an elevator 201. Posts 210 of elevator 201 are arranged directly below of the packaging station S of a packaging unit 200. The Posts are able to go up and down using a hoisting device 208. Elevator 201 elevates product M to the power station S packaging when product M is supplied from the device tray supply 20 thereto.

Before the packaging operation, a film F cut to a specific length is supplied to and stretched on the packing station S in Figure 9A by means of a film supply device 202 (shown in Figure 8). This film F adheres to the top surface of the product M when product M is pressed up. In this state, a film folding unit 203 packages the product M by folding the edges on all four sides of the film F on the side bottom of tray T with a pair of left folding plates and right 204, 204, a rear folding plate 205, a member of front folding rod-shaped 206 and a pushing element 207 (shown in Figure 8) and the packaged product M is ejected on an ejector conveyor 209 shown in Figure 8.

However, tray T may be somewhat misaligned left or right because over the device tray supply 20 is set by an operator. To solve this problem in this type of conventional packaging system as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication 2001-48109 (in particular Figure 5 thereof), the amount by which tray T is misaligned is determined in the width direction on the delivery device of tray 20, and this misalignment in the width direction is corrects to improve the finished state of the container.

In a conventional packaging system, as shown in Figure 6A, tray T is photographed from above via a camera when the T tray is placed on the device tray supply 20 (shown in Figure 8). The amount misalignment from the center of tray T is calculated based on this photographic information. After the photographed, the tray T is transported by a bar transport 13, as shown in Figure 6B and then the tray T moves to the center using a mobile unit (not shown in the figures) according to the amount of misalignment as shown in Figure 6C.

However, sometimes the amount of misalignment changes when the transport bar contacts the tray, due to factors such as the weight of the materials to pack, center of gravity and friction between the bottom side of the tray and scale tray, even if the tray is it places in the same way and in the same position. For example, the Tray T is placed so that it tilts with respect to the bar conveyor 13, as shown in Figures 6D and 6E, the amount of misalignment after transport of tray T after it is transported and contacted the bar transport 13 may differ from the misalignment calculated, as shown in Figures 6D and 6E. Therefore, sometimes the misalignment cannot be corrected sufficiently, even if the Tray T moves to the center according to the amount of misalignment determined by the camera.

In this way, sometimes, misalignment in the direction of the width that is substantially orthogonal to the address of transportation of products, can not be resolved from the moment at which the transport begins by the unit of transport until the moment when the transport is completed.

Misalignment improperly corrected in occasions leads to misalignment in the product position during packaging or misalignment at the junction position of the label. As a result, the packaging is unsatisfactory or the joint position is misaligned. In addition, a great misalignment it can even cause tray T to crush.

Additionally, it can also happen misalignment in the direction of product transport.

Figures 7A-7H are views schematic sides showing the proximities of the device supply tray 20 and elevator 201. Figures 7A and 7B show a normal transport status of tray T. The tray T shown in Figure 7A is pushed by the transport bar 13 and is transported on elevator 201 as shown in the Figure 7B The position (stop position) of the end of the feed movement of conveyor bar 13 is adjusted by forward for each tray T and tray T is pushed and transports to a specific position in elevator 201 according with this stop position set.

However, in cases when a T tray that carries a product is light weight, as shown in the Figures 7C and 7D, the conveyor 13 sometimes slips below tray T and tray T is not transported to the position specified in elevator 201 even if the bar conveyor 13 stops in the stop position adjusted

Also, if tray T is deep as it is shown in Figures 7E and 7F, the conveyor bar 13 in sometimes it slides under the edge of tray T and the Tray T will not be transported to the position specified in the elevator 201.

In view of the above, it will be evident to those skilled in the art from this description that There is a need for an improved packaging system. This invention addresses this need for technique as well as others needs that will be apparent to specialists in the technique from this description.

Summary of the invention

The packaging system of the present invention can be applied to a packaging device that uses films stretched or similar.

A primary object of the present invention is provide a packaging system that is capable of packaging products based on the amount of misalignment that occurs in the product width direction after transporting the product.

In the invention described in the Publication of Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-48109, which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1, when the product misalignment is correct, the surface of transport moves in the direction of the product width of according to the amount of product misalignment. As the transport surface fits inside the body frame Main packaging system, the product sometimes protrudes past the outside of the transport surface and not It can be transported in a stable way when the product is too wide or when the amount of misalignment in the width direction is too large. Also, how is there a natural limit to the interval that can move from the surface of transport in the width direction, the amount of Product misalignment cannot be corrected to a large extent.

Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system that can transport products in a more stable way and be able to correct a lot of misalignment.

To get these objects, the system of packaging according to the present invention is a system of packaging configured to package a product by supplying the product to an elevator, raising the product to a station packaging and covering the product with a film on the upper surface thereof, comprising the system of packing:

a first transport surface on the that a product is put on;

a second transport surface that forms separately from the first transport surface and available downstream of the first transport surface to transport the product from the first transport surface to the elevator, the second transport surface being configured to be able to move within the specific interval in a first and second directions of width that are substantially orthogonal to the product transport address;

a transport unit configured for transport the product from the first transport surface to the elevator through the second transport surface;

a detection unit configured for detect the misalignment direction and the amount of product misalignment in the width direction on the first transport surface;

a mobile unit configured to move the product position on the second transport surface in the width direction by moving the second surface of transport in the width direction within an interval mobile; Y

a control unit configured to correct misalignment of a product in the width direction, in which the control unit directs the mobile unit according to the direction and amount of misalignment in the width direction before the product is transported on the second surface of transport, move the second surface of transport in a first or second direction the width of agreement with the misalignment address and the amount of misalignment and directs the mobile unit after the product has been transported on the second transport surface to move the second transport surface on the first or second width direction that is opposite the first or second direction  of width previously moved.

It is possible to correct a misalignment considerable of a product in the direction of the width in the first transport surface moving the second surface of transport in the width direction in advance. May Expect, therefore, an excellent packaging finish.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the second transport surface is smaller than the width of the first transport surface.

As the second transport surface is move in advance according to product misalignment, The entire product is transferred on the second surface of transport when the product transferred from the first transport surface to the second transport surface, even if the width of the second transport surface is more smaller than the width of the first transport surface. By Therefore, an excellent packaging finish can be expected due to that the product position is not disoriented while the Product is being transported.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit comprises a first unit of transport that is in contact with the rear end of the product on the first transport surface and is configured to transport the product in the transport direction and a second transport unit configured to move the second surface of transport along the transport direction, in which the second transport speed of the second unit of transport is set to a value greater than the first speed of transport of the first transport unit.

In this embodiment, as the speed of transport of the second transport surface is greater than the of the first transport surface, the product in the second transport surface is separated from the first unit of transport that pushes on the rear end of the product. For the therefore, it is unlikely that the friction force acts between the rear end of the product and the first transport unit when the product moves in the width direction. By Therefore, an excellent packaging finish can be expected due to that the position of the product is not likely to be disoriented.

These and other objects, characteristics, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to the Technical specialists from the following description detailed, which taken together with the attached drawings describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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Brief description of the drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings that are part of this original description:

Figure 1 is a perspective view schematic showing a weighing, packaging and pricing in a packaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view partial cross-sectional schematic showing the structure  of the delivery device;

Figure 3 is a perspective view partial cross-sectional schematic showing a correction conveyor;

Figure 4A is a structural view system schematic and Figures 4B and 4C are tables that show the stored content of a unit of storage:

Figure 5A is a schematic view that shows a method to determine the amount of misalignment of the tray, and Figure 5B is a plan view of the conveyor of correction;

Figures 6A to 6C are plan views schematics showing a conventional method for transporting a product, Figures 6E and 6D are schematic plan views which show the way in which the product position is misalign during transport and Figures 6F to 6I are seen in schematic plant showing a method of detecting the present invention;

Figures 7A to 7H are elevation views schematics that show the way in which a product in the delivery device;

Figure 8 is a schematic section view which shows an example of a packaging unit;

Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views schematics showing an example of a packaging method;

Figures 10A and 10B are plan views that show a tray and film used in an agreement system with a second embodiment that is not part of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view partial cross-sectional schematic showing the structure  of a delivery device in a packaging system of according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view. partial of a conveyor,

Figures 13A and 13B are plan views schematics that show the way in which the position of a product becomes disoriented when the product is transported from a first transport surface to a second surface of transport;

Figures 14A and 14B are plan views schematics that show the way in which a product is gently transports from the first transport surface to the second transport surface; Y

Figures 15A and 15B are elevation views that show a modification of the conveyor bar.

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Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Selected embodiments of the present The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be evident to those skilled in the art from this description that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.

First realization

Figure 1 shows a weighing device, packaging and pricing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The weighing units and Packaging of this device are partly similar to those of the conventional packaging system shown in Figure 8 and, of this way, only the components of the present invention that are different from this conventional packaging system will be described to continuation. The following description refers to a situation in which a product M is transported after putting it on a tray T. The term "product M" includes both tray T as the contents included inside.

In Figure 1, the weighing device, packaging and pricing is provided with a device tray supply 20 protruding forward from the body Main of it. As shown in Figure 2, the device of tray 20 comprises a weighing conveyor 100 and a correction conveyor (mobile unit) 21. A device for tag binding 12 configured to attach a tag to a M packaged product is provided above the conveyor of ejection 209 in Figure 1.

The weighing conveyor 100 shown in the Figure 2 comprises a resin plate 104 forming a first transport surface 102, a conveyor bar 13 configured to transport tray T on the first surface of transport 102 and an actuator motor 16 (shown in Figure 4A) and a drive chain 104 configured to drive the bar conveyor 13. Therefore, the conveyor bar 13, the drive motor 16 and drive chain 104 constitute part of the first and second transport units to transport the product M on elevator 201.

In the weighing conveyor 100, the plate resin 105 forming the first transport surface 102 is supported on a weight determination unit (load cell) 101 shown in Figure 4A. The weight detected by the unit of weight determination 101 is carried to weighing unit 106 and is Insert into a micro-computer (control unit) 3.

The correction conveyor 21 is provided downstream of the resin plate 105 of the weighing conveyor 100 shown in Figure 2. That correction conveyor 21 comprises a conveyor (part of the second unit conveyor) 22 and a cam unit (part of the mobile unit) 23 as shown in Figure 3. The conveyor 22 forms a second transport surface 22a. The conveyor 22 is arranged  to move freely in the width and orthogonal direction to the transport address X of the product M and is supported by the cam unit 23.

The cam unit 23 comprises a cam groove 23a formed in a flat panel and a connecting bolt 23b that connects with cam groove 23a. The connecting bolt 23b is coupled with the output shaft 26 of an engine 25 by means of an arm drive 24. In cam unit 23, connection bolt 23b rotate in the directions shown by the arrows, corresponding to the rotation of the motor 25 rotating in a forward direction and backward that moves the conveyor 22 in the direction of the width Y. The movement of the conveyor 22 causes the product position M on tray device 20 move in the direction of width Y.

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Control Settings

Figure 4A shows the control configuration of this packaging system.

The micro-computer (unit of control) 3 is equipped with a CPU 4 and a memory 5. A screen touch 10, a keyboard unit 11, a label printer 12 and a weighing, packaging and pricing control unit 14 connect to the micro-computer 3. In addition, a CCD camera (part of the detection unit) 2 and the Weighing 106 are connected to the micro-computer 3.

The CCD 2 camera is arranged above the first transport surface 102 as shown in Figure 2 and almost the entire first transport surface 102 is seen from the same. As shown in Figure 6F, when an operator sets the product M (tray T) on the first transport surface 102, the weight determination unit 101 detects a change in the weight that triggers camera 2 to photograph product M and a first video signal is produced towards the micro-computer 3 (shown in Figure 4A).

Then, as shown in Figures 6G and 6H, camera 2 photographs the transported product M again when product M is transported to a specific position by conveyor bar 13 and a second video signal is produced towards micro-computer 3 in Figure 4A.

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Misalignment Correction in the Width Y Direction

The CPU 4 of the micro-computer 3 in Figure 4A calculate the amount of misalignment in the direction of the width Y of the product M with the method described a continuation.

CPU 4 comprises a processing unit of image 40, a first and second calculation unit of misalignment 41 and 42 and the like inside it. The image processing unit 40 locates the two edges Te, Te of product M (tray T) in Figure 5A in the direction of the Y width based on video signals input from the CCD camera 2. The first misalignment calculation unit 41 detects the amount of misalignment of product M by finding that the distances Y1 and Y2 from the Te edge and the Te edge to the center of reference line C, respectively and subtracting distance Y2 of distance Y1.

The amount of misalignment is calculated for Both first and second video signals.

Memory 5 shown in Figure 4A comprises a product information storage unit 50, a tray information storage unit 51 and a unit storage of reference value 52.

A reference value YS is stored in the storage unit of reference value 52. Based on the first video signal, CPU 4 moves the conveyor of correction 21 from its original position in advance when the first amount of misalignment calculated by the first amount misalignment calculation 41 is equal to or greater than the value of reference YS, for example 25 mm.

Subsequently, a second one is taken photograph when product M is transported to a position specific by conveyor bar 13.

The CPU 4 moves the correction conveyor 21 shown in Figure 5B to the left or right (in the direction of the width Y) to correct the misalignment of the product M, of according to the second amount of misalignment calculated by the second misalignment calculation unit 42 based on the Second video signal. Specifically, the engine 25 rotates only one rotation angle corresponding to the amount of misalignment to move the correction conveyor 21 carrying the product M in the direction of the width Y and corrects the misalignment of the product M in Figure 5A in the direction of width Y.

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Misalignment Correction in the Transportation Directorate X

The conveyor 13 is driven by a drive motor 16 provided with a rotary encoder (part of the detection unit) 15 shown in Figure 4, for example. The position of the conveyor bar 13 is calculated by CPU 4 based on a detection signal (rotation signal) from the rotary encoder 15. Meanwhile, the rear end Tb of the product M (tray T) is detected by camera 2 as shown in Figure 7G.

The second misalignment calculation unit 42 is included in CPU 4. The second unit of calculation of misalignment 42 detects the amount of product misalignment M in the transport direction based on the positional relationship between the conveyor bar 13 and the rear end Tb of the product M.

The conveyor bar 13 in this document in Sometimes it slides below the product M while the Product M is transported, as shown in Figures 7D and 6F. In in such cases, the position of the conveyor bar 13 differs from the position of the rear end Tb of the product M.

The second misalignment calculation unit 42 compare the position of the rear end Tb of the product M, according to detects based on the second video signal from camera 2, with the position of the conveyor bar 13 at the time of take the picture, as shown in Figure 7G and calculate the misalignment amount Δx in the transport direction X. As shown in Figure 7H, CPU 4 moves the end front of the conveyor bar 13 forward a distance Δx according to the amount of misalignment Δx in the transport direction X with which the product M is transported to a specific position of the elevator 201, and the misalignment in the transport address X is corrected.

Specifying Tray T

Referring to Figure 4A, the unit of product information storage 50 stores the name of the product, price, position where the label should be attached and other information, as well as the tray number programmed to use for each product according to the access number of the product in Figure 4B. In addition, the size of tray T, including the width and depth of tray T, it is stored for each type of tray T in the storage unit of tray information 51 shown in Figure 4C.

CPU 4 identifies tray type T based on the second product signal M after the product M has begun to be transported. Size information corresponding to tray T and other information is read by the CPU 4 from the tray storage unit 51 of according to the type of tray T identified.

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Function Description

Next, the operation will be described and the way the system is used.

First, the operator enters the number of product access and other information from the screen Touch 10 and the keyboard unit 11 shown in Figure 1. The operator then puts the tray T (product M) that has contained inside on the first transport surface 102 of tray supply device 20, as shown in Figure 2. When product M is in place, a signal of Weight is produced from weighing unit 106, shown in the Figure 4A to the micro-computer 3. When the weight signal stabilizes, a first video signal sent from the CCD camera 2 to the image processing unit 40. Then, in the first misalignment calculation unit 41 calculate the amount of misalignment (Y1-Y2) = Δ1 of product M as shown in Figure 4A in the direction of width Y and compare the absolute value of the misalignment amount (Y1-Y2) with a value of reference YS. CPU 4 produces a first correction order and a first amount of misalignment Δ1 to the unit of weighing, packaging and pricing 14 when the absolute value of the amount of misalignment (Y1-Y2) is equal or greater than the reference value YS.

When the first amount of misalignment (initial misalignment amount) Δ1 exceeds an amount specific, the motor 25 is rotated to move the conveyor of correction 21 in advance a distance equal to Δ1 in the opposite direction to the correction direction. This makes possible accommodate even greater amounts of misalignment.

After stabilizing the weight signal, the drive chain 104 in Figure 2 is driven accordingly with a specific sequence and the conveyor bar 13 begins to push on product M. When the conveyor bar 13 reaches a specific position P, camera 2 photographs the product M and the second video signal is sent to the unit of image processing 40. The misalignment calculation unit 42 calculate a second amount of misalignment \ Deltay2 and compare the absolute value of the amount of misalignment Δ2 with the reference value YS. CPU 4 produces a second order of correction and the second amount of misalignment Δ2 to the weighing, packaging and pricing unit 14 when the value absolute of the second amount of misalignment Δ2 is equal to or greater than the reference value YS.

In addition, CPU 4 identifies tray type T based on the second video signal taken after correcting the orientation of the tray T by pushing the conveyor bar 13. CPU 4 obtains the size information and other information corresponding to the T tray of the storage unit tray information 51, according to the type of tray T identified.

Product M is transferred from the first transport surface 102 on the second surface of transport 22A of the correction conveyor 21. When the product M has been completely transferred on the conveyor of correction 21, the misalignment of the product M is corrected from the Following way.

Specifically, the weighing, packaging and pricing 14 to which orders are introduced correction rotates motor 25, shown in Figure 3, in a rotation angle corresponding to the second amount of misalignment (amount of final misalignment). Actuator arm 24 and the connecting bolt 23 are rotated according to the rotation of the motor 25, the conveyor 22 moves a certain amount in the direction of width Y and misalignment of product M in the width direction Y is corrected.

The second transport surface 22A moves in this document at a distance equal to \ Deltay2 when the first amount of misalignment Δ1 is less than the value reference YS the second amount of misalignment \ Deltay2 is greater than the reference value YS. On the other hand, when both first and second amounts of misalignment Δ1 and Δ2 are greater than the reference value, the second transport surface 22A moves a distance equal to        (\ Deltay2- \ Deltay1).

Misalignment in the transport direction X is also corrected while product M is being transporting

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The second misalignment calculation unit 42 calculates the position of the rear end Tb of the product M based on the second video signal processed by the unit image processing 40. The second unit of calculation of misalignment 42 also calculates the position of the bar conveyor 13 based on a signal from the encoder rotary 15. The second misalignment calculation unit 42 compare the position of the rear end Tb of the product M with the position of the conveyor bar 13 and calculate the amount of misalignment in transport direction X. CPU 4 moves the front end of the transport bar 13 forward one distance Δx according to the amount of misalignment Δx in the transport direction X, as shown in the Figure 7H As a result of this operation, product M is transports to a specific position in elevator 201 and the Misalignment in the transport direction X is corrected.

Product M, shown in Figure 2, is pushed by the conveyor bar 13 and transferred over the elevator 201. The specific packaging operation described It is done before. Meanwhile, the conveyor of Correction 21 returns to its original position.

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Second realization

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the misalignment was corrected by moving the product M of according to the amount of misalignment of the product M. In the second embodiment that is not part of the present invention, the product M does not move, instead film F moves in The width Y direction of the product M according to the Product misalignment amount M.

As shown in Figure 10A, product M it is transported while the misalignment of it from the central line CY (reference line C) in the direction of the Y width of elevator 201 remains uncorrected. CPU 4 calculates the final amount of misalignment of product M based on the second video signal that photographs camera 2. CPU 4 directs the film supply device 202 (shown in Figure 8) according to the amount of misalignment and move the film F to a position (shown by the dashed line in Figure 10A) in the direction of width Y according to the misalignment of the product M.

Then, as shown in Figure 10B, a tag L is joined by a tag binding device 12 (shown in Figure 1) to the upper surface of product M which is wrapped with the film F. According to the amount of product misalignment M, the transverse distance LY is changed of the label L which is the distance from the Te edge of the product M to the joined position. In addition, the longitudinal distance Lx of the label Te is the distance from the rear end Tb of the product M to the joined position is also changed. Specifically, the horizontal distance Ly is calculated by adding the amount of misalignment of product M in the direction of width Y at a preset distance Ly. Similarly, the distance Longitudinal Lx is calculated by adding the amount of misalignment of product M in the transport direction X at a distance default

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Third realization

Referring now to Figures 11 to 14, a packaging system will now be explained according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment of the present invention It is very similar to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 9 in terms of configuration, function and operation of it.

In Figure 11, the correction conveyor 21 is comprised of a movable plate 29 arranged below a conveyor belt 21b constituting the second surface conveyor 22a. A cam groove 23a similar to that of Figure 3 it is formed in the mobile plate 29 whereby the mobile plate 29 is capable of moving in the direction of width Y.

Specifically, the second surface of transport 22a is provided downstream of the first surface of transport 102 to transport the product M received from the first transport surface 102 to elevator 201. The second transport surface 22a is formed separately from the first transport surface 102 and is configured to move within a specific interval in the first and second directions of width Y11 and Y12 that are substantially orthogonal to the transport direction X of the product M. The width of the second transport surface 22a is smaller than the width of the first transport surface 102. However the size of the interval mobile of the second transport surface 22a corresponds approximately to the width of the first transport surface 102. Mobile unit 23 shifts the position of the product in the second transport surface 22a in the direction of width Y moving the second transport surface 22a in the direction of The width Y within the mobile range.

As shown in the cross section in the Figure 12, the movable plate 29 has a curved cross section and composed of a support unit 29a that has a shape concave in the middle section of it and arranged below the correction conveyor 21b and a pair of exposed parts 29b that protrude to the left and right sides of the second transport surface 22a and integrally formed with the unit of support 29a. The upper surfaces of the exposed parts 29b are formed to be slightly smaller in height than the upper surface of the second transport surface 22a with what exposed parts 29b do not interfere with transport of product M by the second transport surface 22a.

Fixing covers 28 are provided at the left and right ends of the movable plate 29. The ends of the exposed parts 29b and the ends of the fixing covers 28 overlap each other even when the correction conveyor 21b moves towards the further end. to the left or more to the right within the range of motion, thereby preventing the contents of tray T from falling under the conveyor 22 shown in the
Figure 11

According to the misalignment address and the amount of misalignment in the width Y direction detected by camera 2, the micro-computer (control unit 3) (shown in Figure 4A) directs the unit mobile 23 before product M is transported to the second transport surface 22A and moves the second surface of 22A transport in advance at the first or second address of The width Y11, Y12. Micro-computer 3 drives the mobile unit 23 after the product M has been transported on the second transport surface 22A and move the second transport surface 22A in a first or second direction of the width Y11, Y12 which is opposite the previous width direction to correct the misalignment of product M in the direction of the width. In the present embodiment, the misalignment of product M  corrected regardless of extent of misalignment of product M in the direction of width Y.

The transport unit transports the product M from the first transport surface 102 in the elevator 201 by the second transport surface 22A. The unit of transport is composed of a transport bar 13 that enters in contact with the rear end of product M in the first transport surface 102 and is configured to transport the product in the transport direction, a drive chain 104 (first transport unit) and an engine (second unit of transport) configured to move the second surface of transport 22A along the transport direction Y. The second transport speed V2 of the second unit of transport is set to a value greater than the first speed of transport V1 of the first transport unit.

Before describing the operation of the delivery device according to the present invention, the disadvantages in case the second transport surface 22a do not move in advance, but instead the second transport surface 22a moves in the width direction And after the product M is transported on the second transport surface 22a will now be described.

As shown in Figure 13A, when the second transport surface 22a moves in the direction of the width Y after the product M is placed on the first transport surface 102 is transported on the second transport surface 22a, tray T could occasionally protrude in the direction of width and out of the second transport surface 22a as shown by the line discontinuous In this situation, the frictional transport force F applied by the second transport surface 22a to the lower surface of tray T is misaligned with the center of gravity G of the product M. Therefore, a moment acts around of tray T, which prevents tray T from being transported from a sufficiently stable and easily results in disorder of the orientation of the tray T as shown in the Figure 13B

Then the operation of the delivery device 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 14.

When the product M is placed on the first transport surface 102 as shown in Figure 14A, the distances Y1 and Y2 are determined with a specific timing. In addition, the amount of misalignment? In the direction of the width Y and the misalignment directions Y11 and Y12 are calculated by the method described in the first embodiment of the present invention Based on the calculated results, the second transport surface 22A moves in the direction of the width And a distance equal to the amount \ Deltay which is the amount of misalignment Δ of product M in the direction misalignment as shown by the dashed line, before the downstream end of product M or the center of gravity G of tray T (generally, the geometric center of the tray) is transported to the upstream end 22B of the second transport surface 22A.

When the position of tray T is not inclined as shown in Figure 14B, the Tc and 21c centers of the tray T and a second transport surface 22A in the width direction and almost line up with each other as a result of the movement.

After the movement, when the tray T begins to transfer over the second transport surface 22A as shown by a solid line in Figure 14B or when the entire tray T is completely transferred over the second transport surface 22A, the second surface of transport 22A moves in the opposite direction to the direction of previous movement a distance equal to \ Deltay as shown by the dashed line. The centers of tray T and the correction conveyor 21 in the width direction almost align with each other as shown by the dashed line. Specifically the product M is centered.

As there is no danger that tray T protrudes in the direction of width Y outside the second transport surface 22A during transfer there is no danger that the tray T tilts the same as the situation shown in Figure 13B previously described. In others words, stable transport of the T tray can be expected in which tray T is transported without tilting as shown using the dashed line in Figure 14B. As a result, an excellent packaging finish can be expected.

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However, as the thrust surface 13F of the conveyor bar 13 shown in Figure 11 is formed in a comb pattern with many notches, if the tray is soft, the rear end of tray T is sometimes caught in the Thrust surface gaps 13F during transport. For the so much, when the second transport surface 22A moves in the width Y direction, the danger of the rear end of the tray T is trapped in the pushing surface 13F of the conveyor bar 13 that could disorient the position of the T tray or the specific amount of movement? in the width direction And could not be achieved.

The same problem also occurs when the product M, after packaging with a film, it is weighed and fixed its price. More specifically, as the product has already been packaged and the stretched film is very viscoelastic, the rear end of the product M can adhere to the thrust surface 13F and with the friction force, can stick to the thrust surface 13F. Therefore, there is a danger of disorienting the position of the M product similar to the situation described above.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the transport speed V2 of conveyor 22 is adjusted to a greater value than the transport speed V1 of the bar conveyor 13. Therefore, when tray T begins to transfer over the second transport surface 22a as shown by the line continues in Figure 14B, the end Tray T rear begins to separate from the surface of thrust 13F shown in Figure 11. Therefore there is no danger of the movement of tray T in the direction of the width And be prevented by the push surface shaped comb 13F. In addition, there is no danger that the disorientation of the product position M or the specific amount of movement Δyou don't get it. As a result, a finish can be expected Excellent packaging.

In the present embodiment the amount of misalignment? in the direction of the width illustrated in Figure 14A and the misalignment direction can be determined only before the moment when the tray T is transported after it is placed on the conveyor only after the tray begins to be transported either before or after of the tray starting to be transported.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need for move the second transport surface 22A at a distance corresponding to the entire amount of misalignment? determined. For example, misalignment can be corrected first determining the first amount of misalignment Δ1 in the width direction on the first surface transport 102 before the tray begins to be transported and after finishing the second amount of misalignment Δ2 in the width direction after the tray start transporting and move on the second surface of transport 22A in one direction width And in advance a amount equal to Δ1 before tray T begins to transfer over the second transport surface 22a and then move to the second transport surface 22a in the another width Y direction (opposite to the width direction previous) a distance (\ Deltay2- \ Deltay1) after tray T is transferred over the second transport surface 22a. In this case, the second surface of transport 22a moves at a distance equal to Δ2 and returns to its original position after correcting the misalignment

Additionally, the second surface of transport 22a can move twice in advance so that accommodates both two amounts of misalignment determined Δ1 and Δ2. Specifically the second surface of transport 22a can move immediately in advance a distance equal to Δ1 after the first amount of misalignment Δ1 of tray T is determined and the second transport surface 22a can be moved immediately by advanced a distance equal to (\ Deltay2- \ Deltay1) after determining the second amount of misalignment Δ2 of the tray.

No need for the tray to center completely. For example, the second transport surface 22a you can move in advance a distance equal to only one of the misalignment amounts determined Δ1 or Δ2.

Figures 15A and 15B show the shapes preferred and structures of the conveyor bar 13 that will avoid Let the tray turn around. As shown in Figure 11, the conveyor bar 13 is rotatably driven by a drive chain 104 such as a roller chain, for example. How a small gap is formed between the bolts and rollers in the roller chain, the conveyor bar 13 shown in the Figure 15A is rotated to raise slightly in the direction of arrow R when he meets the gaps. In this case, the angle formed by the thrust surface 13F of the conveyor bar which pushing tray T increases and there is a danger that tray T will pick up and dump from below.

The conveyor bar 13 shown in the Figure 15A is inclined in the direction of transport X so that the upper end 13t extends beyond in the X direction than the lower end 13u. Therefore, the danger of the tray T collected from below is removed in this way, even if the bar conveyor 13 turns slightly to rise in the direction of the arrow R.

The position of the center of gravity in the M product sometimes becomes offset in the transport direction X. In this case, there is a danger that the rear end Tb of the tray T shown in Figure 15B rises in the U direction and the product M turns over when the conveyor 13 pushes the tray T.

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In Figure 15B, an outstanding member 13A it is fixed in place at the upper end 13t of the bar conveyor 13. This protruding member 13a protrudes from the upper end 13t a greater distance in the direction of transport X than the upper end 13t. Therefore it is possible prevent product M from tipping over even if the rear end Tb of tray T rises in the U direction.

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Modification TO

The amount of misalignment of the product M can be determined by aligning a plurality of detectors of amount of light reflected in the direction of the width Y.

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Modification B

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to move the conveyor 22 in advance according to the amount of misalignment of product M in the width Y direction. Alternatively, the conveyor 22 can move in advance in the direction of the width of according to the second amount of misalignment.

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Modification C

In addition, in the first and third embodiments of the present invention, the second transport surface 22a is shape on the surface of the conveyor belt 22. Without However, the second conveyor surface 22a can be formed on the surface of a resinous flat plate or a roller or Similary. Additionally, the amount of product misalignment it can be corrected by a guide member or similar instead of the conveyor 22.

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Modification D

In the first and third embodiments of the present invention, the position of the conveyor bar 13 in the transport address X was specified by an encoder provided to the drive motor of the conveyor bar 13. Without However, the position of the conveyor bar 13 can be specified by the rotational position of the chain actuator 104 or directly detected using an optical detector or similar.

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Modification AND

Also as another example of the packaging system to which the present invention is applied, instead of packaging folded as exemplified in the previous embodiments, the The present invention can be applied similarly to a packaging device called superior sealing. An example of a superior sealing packaging device is the device of packaging described in US Pat. No. 6,665,005.

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General Interpretation of Terms

To understand the scope of this invention the term "configured" as used herein document to describe a section or part of a component device includes hardware and / or software that is built and / or program to perform the desired function. To understand the scope of the present invention, the term "comprises" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open end terms that specify the presence of characteristics, component elements, groups, integers and / or stages indicated but that do not exclude the presence of others characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and / or not indicated. The above also applies to words that have similar meanings such as the terms "that includes", "who has" and its derivatives. Also the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular they can have the double meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "around" and "approximately" as used in this document refer to a reasonable amount of deviation from the modified term of So the end result does not change significantly. By example, these terms can be constructed as including a deviation of at least ± 5% of the modified term if the deviation does not deny the meaning of the word it modifies.

Claims (3)

1. A packaging system configured to pack a product by supplying the product on an elevator (201), which elevates the product to a packaging station and which cover the product with a film on the upper surface of the same, comprising the packaging system: a first transport surface (102) on the one that puts a product; a second transport surface (22a) that is form separately from the first transport surface (102) and the first transport surface is downstream to transport the product from the first transport surface to the elevator (201), the second surface of transport (22a) to be able to move within the specific interval in a first and second directions of width (Y) that are substantially orthogonal to the transport direction (X) of the product; a transport unit (100) configured for transport the product from the first transport surface (102) to the elevator through the second transport surface (22a); a detection unit (2) configured for detect the misalignment direction and the amount of product misalignment in the width (Y) direction in the first transport surface (102); a mobile unit (23-26) configured to move the product position on the second transport surface (22a) in the width direction moving the second transport surface (22a) in the direction of the width (Y) within a moving range; Y a control unit (3) configured to correct the misalignment of a product in the width (Y) direction, characterized in that the control unit (3) drives the mobile unit (23-26) according to the direction and quantity misalignment in the width direction (Y) before the product is transported on the second transport surface (22a), to previously move the second transport surface (22a) in a first or second width direction (Y ) in accordance with the misalignment direction and the amount of misalignment and drives the mobile unit (23-26) after the product has been transported on the second transport surface (22a) to move the second transport surface (22a) in the first or second direction of width (Y) opposite the first or second direction of width previously moved (Y). 2. The packaging system according to the claim 1, wherein the width of the second surface of transport (22a) is less than the width of the first surface of transport (102). 3. The packaging system according to the claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the transport unit (100) comprises a first transport unit (13) configured to contact the rear end of the product on the first surface of transport to transport the product in the direction of transport (X) with a first transport speed (v_ {1}) and a second transport unit configured to move the second transport surface (22a) along the direction of transport with a second transport speed (v_ {2}), in which the second transport speed (v2) of the second transport unit is adjusted to be greater than the first transport speed (v1) of the first transport unit (100).